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We researched over 38 of the best electric razors and purchased the 13 most promising models today. This review has what you want if you're in the market for a new electric razor. We rigorously tested them side-by-side on beards, staches, and stubble, assessing each one on critical metrics like the quality of the shave, runtime, and ease of cleaning. With all the options on the market, we cut through the clutter to find the best picks for travel, detailing, and touch-ups and which ones will get the job done on a budget. Our expert testers detail which made the cut and which got clipped.
The Braun Series 9 Pro is our favorite because of its superior shaving performance. It can be used wet or dry, leaving a super smooth shave with minimal irritation. It comes with a self-cleaner base and a travel case that doubles as a charger, so there's no need to bring it along, even on long trips. We found that it has a powerful motor that dispatches with stubble quickly. The rechargeable battery also lasts 60 minutes, meaning it may only require a recharge every few weeks.
Unsurprisingly, all of these great features come at a high cost. In addition to the hefty price tag, the self-cleaner fluid requires replacement periodically. This purchase is in addition to the blade cassette, creating substantial maintenance costs. The pop-up trimmer is serviceable but also was not the best of the bunch in our testing. However, if you want a top-of-the-line daily electric razor that offers a close shave, you can't go wrong with the Braun Series 9 Pro. For a dedicated trimmer, we like the Philips Norelco OneBlade Face and Body.
With and integrated battery, Series 9 Pro's case lets you charge the razor on the go without the plug-ing charger.
The Braun Series 3 ProSkin performs above average at a very reasonable price. Despite being a lower-priced model, this unit is built well, provides an adequate shave, and charges with a USB cable, so it can draw power from any device that accepts USB. We are also particularly impressed with ProSkin's run time, which is 80 minutes continuous on a single charge. This great bargain also has a no-slip grip, can be used wet or dry, and even tells you when it's time to replace the cutting assembly. It's also super easy to clean and earned solid scores across the board for each of our metrics.
After months of using the ProSkin, negatives were few in number. It simply performs well and offers reliable, solid construction. The few complaints we did have were nitpicky at best: The trimmer arm doesn't slide well, the safety cap fits loosely and sometimes falls off, and the power button lacks a travel-lock function. In short, the ProSkin is a good razor at a great price.
If you are looking for an even higher-quality razor at a reasonable price point, we also liked the Remington F5 Foil for its versatility, comfort in hand, and lower price. However, we can only recommend it to those who don't need the extra waterproofing for shower shaves. The Panasonic Arc5 Cordless is another solid performer.
Two independently pivoting foil heads and a middle trimmer (for longer) give the ProSkin enough power to plow through a few days worth of stubble; however, we don't recommend it for users with super dense facial hair.
If you regularly shave your head and you're ready to ditch the traditional razor, the Remington Balder Pro is the way to go. This model has five individual oversized razor heads that flex and articulate around contours perfectly. The rubberized grip is designed to fit in the palm of your hand, allowing the shaver to be held upside down when it's out of sight. The Remington is fully waterproof, so it can be used in front of the mirror or in the shower. The chamber beneath the blades captures hair as you shave and effortlessly unclips for a quick rinse when you're done. A clever bonus: the top of the handle has a fold-out clipper for touching up sideburns — a feature that most other head shaver electric razors do not possess. The Remington also includes a blade cover, a cleaning brush, and blade oil, which all fit in the high-quality case along with its charging cord.
The Remington Balder Pro only has a couple of shortcomings. We weren't thrilled to find out it requires a special cord. Most brands have stuck to an industry-standard plug or switched to the ever more widely used USB-C for charging. If you misplace or forget the cord, you're out of luck until you order a replacement from Remington. Also, this particular model has an unusually long charge time compared to its run time. By comparison, the Panasonic Arc5 Cordless charges up in just an hour, as does our favorite model, the Braun Series 9 Pro. But for a high-performance head shaver, the Remington Balder Pro is our number one recommendation.
When it comes to head shaver models, it's hard to beat the Remington Balder Pro.
The Philips Norelco OneBlade is a sturdy, full-featured body groomer that offers versatility at a low price. Its dual-edge blade makes getting the right angle on your shave easier and is adept at touching up sideburns and mustaches. It can be used wet or dry and has a battery indicator light to let you know when it needs a charge or has a full battery (though if only used every three days, we found that it can last well over a month between charges). It includes several attachments — 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, and 5mm for stubble on your face and two comfort guards for body grooming.
For those seeking a close shave, it's important to note that this blade complements a traditional razor; it's not a replacement. It won't provide a baby-smooth shave, but that's not what it's designed to do. It has a solid run time of 60 minutes from a full charge, but it also takes four hours to get there (four times longer than the average razor in this review). This inexpensive option is great if you are looking for a blade for touchups around a fresh shave or regular body grooming. If you're looking for a close shave for a similar price, we like the Braun Series 3 ProSkin.
The OneBlade is also sold as a beard trimmer under a very similar name, the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face + Body, which includes a few additional attachments that make it ideal for precision grooming.
The rubberized grip of this model (in green) makes it easy to hold.
The Wahl LifeProof can run nonstop from a single charge for a whopping 2.5 hours. To put it another way, this razor has the most persistent batteries we've ever examined, with nearly double the total run time of every model in this review's entire grouping. In addition to its impressive endurance, the LifeProof is also waterproof and protected by a drop-proof external shell (which really works). It also charges quickly, is easy to clean, and its power button offers a travel lock feature. As for its shaving grades, we give it a solid B- — which isn't bad, considering its lower price tag.
On the downside, the entire LifeProof — most notably the shaving head — is too wide. This larger design makes the unit harder to aim and position and simply takes up more space on the face and neck than is needed. The hair trimmer's teeth also feel a bit too sharp and aggressive, and the trimmer itself sits way too low. Even when fully extended, it rests a 1/4-inch below the foil cutting screen, making it more challenging to trim sideburns. We were also annoyed that the LifeProof does not have a low-battery indicator, so you must guess when it's time to charge it. However, run forever it does, so if you need impressive battery life, this model may be your best choice.
Another option with respectable — albeit not exceptional — battery life plus the option to run it while corded, is the Remington F5 Foil. We also suggest the Andis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil and the Braun Series 3 ProSkin. Both have impressive run times and price tags.
The LifeProof's shaving quality is average, but its battery can easily outlast any of the models in our review.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Compare Products
Our side-by-side testing looks at each product individually and then compares it against the other models in our review lineup in an effort to narrow down which is best.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Test Electric Razors
We assembled a veteran team of GearLab experts who have the knack for scrutinizing all things gadgets to find each razor's best and worst features. We purchased all the products in our review at retail prices and ran them through a series of side-by-side tests. To deliver our findings, we spent over ten hours with these blades on our faces and dozens more charging, discharging, and cleaning them and assessing their features. For models that claim both wet and dry use, we lathered up and patted down. After scoring each product individually, we compared these scores directly against every other model on our list. Our side-by-side testing process assessed overall shaving quality, as well as battery life, user-friendliness, and the cleaning and maintenance each razor requires. Our end goal was to determine which razor is best so that you can narrow your shortlist and eventually pick the right product for you.
Our electric razor testing is divided into four different metrics:
Shave Quality (35% of overall score weighting)
Run & Charge Times (25% weighting)
Ease of Use & Versatility (20% weighting)
Ease of Cleaning (20% weighting)
The manufacturer said this razor has a drop-proof protective shell, so we conducted a separate test if their claims were valid -- they were.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Why You Should Trust Us
With a background in both business and social science, including a BA in Anthropology from Boston University and an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ben Applebaum-Bauch has been applying his practical, user-focused approach to GearLab's testing and reviews in outdoor and tech gear for many years, researching and evaluating hundreds of home goods and bathroom products in that time. He has made a habit of hiking some of America's most iconic long trails and always returns from an adventure with gnarly facial hair that no one seems to care for.
Jason Wanlass has been part of the GearLab team for nearly seven years. A former journalist and an avid adventurist, he has written numerous reviews on camping gear, as well as many reviews on home gadgets and kitchen appliances. As a daily shaver, Jason knows the importance of a good razor. He studied each of the products on our list through the eyes of the average consumer. He loves examining the details and likes to find the little things that make a product particularly great.
Senior Review Editor Ross Patton. During his years at GearLab, Ross has tackled an array of projects ranging from tools to office gadgets and everything in between. With a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada and more than ten years of experience in product research and development within the snowboard industry, he has developed a well-honed ability to create objective testing models through which he can identify the subtle details that separate good products from great ones (or those that are headed straight for the trash).
The blades in a rotary razor are a little more involved than a model with a foil cassette.
This model has a pivoting head which makes it easier to get under the neck -- a notoriously tricky area to shave.
From features to function to ease of use — we took everything into account during our testing and scoring.
How to Choose an Electric Razor
Dialing in your shaving routine can take some time. To help you with this process, we compiled four important buying considerations, including hair type, blade type, and important features, to narrow down your selection.
Foil vs Rotary
A rotary blade uses circular blades that spin beneath a perforated guard, making them ideal for tackling odd angles and unruly hair. As the name suggests, foil razors utilize a foil with small holes to grab hair for the blade to cut. Foils are great for precise cuts and detailed facial hair, as well as those with sensitive skin. A rotary might be best suited if you value quick, efficient shaving. Deciding between the two will come down to some personal preference as well as your hair type and skin sensitivity.
Here is an up-close shot of a foil razor, which helps depict the use of the foil to pull in hair for a closer shave.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
What Features are Worth Considering?
With so many options, deciding on a razor, let alone the features of each one, can feel overwhelming. Prioritizing the features that matter most to you is the best way to narrow down your selection. Some folks may value the added trimmer feature for their beard, while others will want to ensure their razor comes with a travel case while on a work trip. Regardless, it's a good idea to take a little bit of time to look through each manufacturer's specifications to make sure it comes with useful features for your lifestyle.
What About Charging?
Electric razors can vary in charge time, battery life, and run time. Consider long-lasting battery options if you plan on spending significant time away from charger access. For those who value a faster charge time, consider options that can fully charge in under an hour. Nobody wants to end up with a dead razor right before a big meeting or event, so it's best to put some thought into the battery life of your next razor.
Wet vs Dry
Dialing in your shaving routine can take some time, which makes the decision between wet or dry another part of the equation. Wet shaving offers a close, clean shave, but dry shaves are more comfortable for beginners and are the most convenient. Traditionally, electric razors were meant to tackle hair dry, but many are now offered in wet or dry options. The type of shaving you do is totally a personal preference, but buying a razor with wet or dry capabilities gives you the flexibility to try new routines.
Whether you use water or shaving cream, a wet shave offers a clean, easy shave.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Analysis and Test Results
We use four primary criteria, each with several specific considerations, to assess the electric razors in this review. We looked at shave quality, run time and charge time, ease of use, and ease of cleaning for each device. Below, we define each metric and summarize how each model compared to the rest in the category.
Value
In addition to the metrics that make up product scores, we also look at value. For this review, value is the relationship between each model's total score and price. Some are expensive but perform well enough to justify the price tag. Others are economical purchases that deliver above-average performance. The Braun Series 9 Pro costs a lot but offers one of the closest shaves around, as well as the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line device. The Braun Series 3 ProSkin and Remington Balder Pro are less expensive and punch above their class, making them a great value.
For the cost, the Braun Series 3 ProSkin offers a very decent shave, making it a great value.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Shave Quality
The quality of the shave is what matters most. This metric covers the closeness of the shave, that is, how smooth it leaves our faces feeling afterward. We also look at facets like the speed of the shave, how many passes it takes to finish, and the power of any included trimmers. Where applicable, we ensure that razors perform well, wet and dry, and compare performance across flesh (e.g., on cheeks) and contours (e.g., jaw and under chin).
The Braun Series 9 Pro holds a top spot in this metric. It has a powerful motor, and the device took the least time with the fewest passes to execute a close shave. However, its somewhat awkward pop-up trimmer keeps it from a perfect score; the shaver head contours exceptionally to the jawline and neck.
The Series 9 Pro has a pivoting head that hugs the face, especially under the chin.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The main foil cassette doesn't quite have the same pivoting prowess as the Series 9 Pro, but its wet/dry versatility and powerful trimmer attachment keep it at the top of the list. The Panasonic Arc5 Cordless also shares many of the same qualities. Though it doesn't quite have the same power as the Series 9 Pro, its head has some of the same pivot points and proved particularly effective under the chin, where other electric razors falter.
Two of our favorite razors with three different configurations for their auxiliary trimmers. The Panasonic Arc5 (left) with a perpendicular pop-up trimmer, and the Braun Series 9 Pro (right) with a vertical slide trimmer.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The next tier of razors includes the Remington F5 Foil, Braun Series 7, Braun Series 3 ProSkin, and Andis ProFoil. These razors bring plenty of power for a close shave on 3-day stubble. They have multi-direction-free pivoting heads and flexible foils. The Philips Norelco OneBlade offers the best shave quality of the body grooming razors we tested. Though these blades aren't meant for baby-smooth results, we didn't experience any tug during dry shaving with a two-week beard, and the process actually goes faster than with a traditional cassette shaver.
The Andis 17150 Pro Foil Lithium Titanium is powerful on stubble.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The two head shaver models we tested, the Remington Balder Pro and the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro, deliver near skin-close shaves, with the Remington producing slightly better results.
The Pitbull Gold Pro is a head shaver with a design that is conducive to high-quality results.
Credit: Ross Patton
Run Time and Charge Time
Run and charge times are essential metrics for electric razors. Here, we are concerned with how long it takes to charge them fully, how long the devices can run after charging to capacity, and how long it takes to quick-charge them to get enough juice for a single shave. We also look at each model's charge time and run-time ratio.
The Wahl LifeProof crushed the competition in this metric during our testing, with a run time of 150 minutes. We were also impressed with its short, one-hour charging times.
The Wahl LifeProof surprised us all with its outstanding charging and run times.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Braun Series 9 Pro caught our attention with its above-average total shave time and below-average charge time. This shaver also comes with a heavy-duty hard case that doubles as a travel charger, so you can completely recharge the razor without bringing along the actual cord.
The Braun Series 9 Pro is a powerful, high-performing razor with a charging travel case.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Andis ProFoil and Braun Series 3 ProSkin also have impressive run times, managing over 80 minutes on a single charge. The Pitbull Gold Pro is the longest-lasting head shaver model we've tested, running for a full 90 minutes. With a charge time of 2.5 hours, it's not the quickest to juice up, but it's far from the slowest.
The next tier of still-above-average razors includes the Panasonic Arc5, Remington F5 Foil, and Braun Series 7. These models achieve average run times in the 45-50 minute range on a single charge, and each gets to 100% capacity when plugged in for around one hour.
The Philips Norelco OneBlade, a body grooming model, takes at least four hours to charge but then runs for a more impressive 60 minutes, making it worthwhile to wait for some.
The Panasonic Arc5 Shows you how long the razor has been on and flashes the battery charge percentage so you aren't caught off guard.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Ease of Use & Versatility
As with almost any other product, if it's not easy to use, you are just less likely to use it. For this metric, we look at whether a razor claims it can be used safely wet and dry (bonus points for both) and whether the entire unit is waterproof and can be used in the shower. Many of these products come with indicator lights for battery levels, travel locks, and blade replacement. We also assessed included trimmers, how comfortable or awkward they are to angle correctly, and additional features. Some models also have adaptive power modes and ergonomic designs, which help boost scores.
These electric razors are easy to use, with some variability in their versatility. Models that can be used wet (in the shower or with shaving cream) include the Braun Series 9 Pro, Philips Norelco OneBlade, Panasonic Arc5, Remington Balder Pro, Pitbull Gold Pro, Braun Series 3 ProSkin, and Wahl LifeProof . This feature is essential because it makes shaving more efficient if you opt to do it in the shower or more flexible if it is more comfortable for you to shave with shaving cream.
A well-labeled slider like the one on the Panasonic Arc5 Electric can make it clear how to lock the main head and deploy the trimmer.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Though you can rinse many of these models underwater, the following claim to be dry-only for shaving: Remington F5 Foil, Philips Norelco 2300, and Andis ProFoil. Some models, like the Remington Balder Pro, and Panasonic Arc4 Electric have solid auxiliary trimmers.
The Remington Balder Pro includes a blade head cover and a convenient carrying case.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Braun Series 7 not only has trimmer heads but comes with an exceptional array of attachments to go along with it. The Philips Norelco OneBlade is exclusively a (high-performance) trimmer. We were surprised that the Series 9 Pro has a less-than-impressive trimmer, as does the Philips Norelco 2300. Some models like the Andis ProFoil don't have any trimmer. We also liked the Philips Norelco 2400 for its flip-top head assembly and concave pivoting system.
The Philips Norelco 2400 has a very convenient flip top that stays put during cleaning. It also has three great pivoting rotary heads.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
For those looking for a full-featured display, the Panasonic Arc5 has a robust set of indicator lights that give you insight into the status of your electric razor. The Pitbull Gold Pro has a battery level indicator, which we found particularly useful.
The Pitbull Gold Pro shows battery levels with a digital display.
Credit: Ross Patton
In terms of user interfaces, the Philips Norelco 2300, the Andis ProFoil, and OneBlade are straightforward. The Brauns Series 7 and Series 9 Pro both have basic battery indicators, and the Philips Norelco 9500 also comes with a pressure sensor light that indicates whether or not you are shaving with the right amount of force.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning can be an afterthought with a razor, so the easier it is to clean, the more likely we will use it. In this metric, we consider features that specifically facilitate cleaning. These include rinsing, drainage ports, and release buttons for easily removing/opening the foil cassette. A couple of our contenders even come with self-cleaning bases. We analyze whether they make the job easier or are just a lot of hype.
Most of these models are relatively easy to clean and low maintenance. The Braun Series 7 and Braun Series 9 Pro both come with self-cleaning stations that make the task a literal set and forget (though they do lose some points because of the periodic maintenance required on the cleaning units themselves). The Philips Norelco 9500 also has a cleaning base, but it doesn't charge the razor as the Braun models do. The Braun Series 3 ProSkin was also a fan favorite for its quick and easy cleanup process.
Power up. Rinse. Power down. Dry -- simple and easy.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
We found the Remington Balder Pro exceptionally easy to clean — the top pops off by applying even but firm pressure to the base of the shaver head housing. Because everything is waterproof, you can rinse it at the end of each shave.
The Remington Balder Pro is extremely easy to clean. The razor head pops right off; just rinse it and clip it back in place.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro has a similar cleaning process to the Remington Balder Pro, except that it requires periodically disassembling the blades. It would be easy to accidentally lose a piece during this process. Our research analyst accidentally opened the locking mechanism during testing, and we were lucky that none of the small parts went down the drain. We docked this model a point for this reason.
In order to fully clean the Pitbull Gold Pro, the shaver heads must be disassembled.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Philips Norelco OneBlade, Philips Norelco 2300, and Remington F5 Foil can all be rinsed under water and left to dry — easy enough. The Andis ProFoil recommends only dry cleaning the blades with the included brush, which is more tedious and time-consuming. The Arc5 suggests the added step of running hand soap through the cassette and rinsing it — again, extra steps that take more time.
There are several high-quality electric razors on the market for a variety of shaving needs.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a close shave or something that can trim, self-clean, or quick charge, we hope our comprehensive expert review gives you the information you need to make the right purchase for you. We know that there are seemingly endless options out there as far as electric razors are concerned, but knowledge is power. Happy shaving!
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Jason Wanlass, Ben Applebaum-Bauch and Ross Patton
